Lawrie plans another Spanish fandango

Video star Peter Lawrie is all hoping for an action replay when he tees it up at Seville’s Real Club de Golf in this week’s Andalucia Open.

The Dubliner, 35, is back at the venue where he danced for joy en route to his first tour win in last season’s Spanish Open.

And he planned to watch the video of his 18th hole fandango in an attempt to boost his confidence after a month away from the game.

Lawrie said: “I actually brought the tape with me to bring back some memories. I am going to try and watch it before I play to try and get confidence, more than anything. That’s all that’s really lacking.”

Peter Lawrie has happy memories of SevilleLawrie confessed that he has watched the video of his Spanish Open win “many times”, especially the part when he holed an outrageous 35 footer to stay alive against Ignacio Garrido and then danced around the 18th green before winning the title with a par at the second sudden-death hole.

He explained: “It is very nice, I have to admit. It brings back fond memories and gives you a bit of confidence.

“Everybody’s confidence needs a boost - when someone tells you that you’re looking well, that’s a boost. But it is always nice when something just sparks it off.”

Lawrie might not be the defending champion in this event but he showed in his Spanish Open win that the tight course suits his straight-hitting style perfectly.

Set to tee it up Nick Dougherty and course designer Jose Maria Olazabal, the Dubliner is ranked fifth for driving accuracy on tour this year.

And while he’s only played five events so far this term, he’s fully recharged and hoping for another good week in Spain.

He said: “It is my type of golf course. The course is tough and played tough last year and it’s similar this year though it possibly would have played a little tougher but for the rain yesterday.

“It’s more receptive but it makes it tougher off the tee because the rough is quite long and thick now with the rain.

“It I quite clingy and you have to drive it straight here and be accurate with your irons shots because it is tough around the greens as well. I haven’t played too much and I am feeling quite fresh."

Lawrie is joined in Seville by Paul McGinley, who is playing his first European event for eight weeks, Damien McGrane, Gary Murphy, Jonny Caldwell and Michael Hoey.

European Ryder Cup skipper Colin Montgomerie is making his 500th European Tour start but confusion reigns over Olazabal’s availability as a vice-captain for the 2010 matches in Wales.

Montgomerie announced on television less than two weeks ago that Olazabal, 43, had accepted an assistant role should he fail to win back his place at Celtic Manor.

But the Spaniard insisted yesterday: “I've not said that. It was news to me. I'm not sure. I've done it before and there are not many decisions to make. There's not much to do.

“I made it clear to Monty in Dubai (in January) that I'm going to try to get as healthy as possible and make every effort to make the team.

“If that's not the case we will have to have a chat.”

Montgomerie, however, remains under the impression that the agreement is in place.

He said: “We've had a conversation that he will be involved in the Ryder Cup one way or another.

“I would love him to be playing on the team because the passion he brings is second to none, but if not he will be there in an administrative role, which will be vice-captain.

Lawrie ends drought as McGinley slips back

Paul Lawrie overcame a slow start to win the Open de Andalucia in Malaga. (Photo Eoin Clarke/Golffile 2011)Scotland’s Paul Lawrie ended his nine-year wait for a European Tour victory when he claimed the Open de Andulacia thanks to a brilliant back nine performance at the Parador de Malaga.

Lawrie and Lowry make hay in Spanish sun

Peter Lawrie in action in Barcelona. Credit: www.golffile.iePeter Lawrie and Shane Lowry kept surprise leader Scott Jamieson in their sights as they made positive starts in the Spanish Open at Real Club de Golf El Prat near Barcelona.

Steady Lawrie, seeking just his second tour victory following his maiden win in this event in 2008, recovered from a bogey six at his opening hole and putted well from short range to fire five birdies in a four under 68 that left him two off the lead in a share of sixth.

Lowry finished like a train after a slow start, rattling off five birdies in his final six holes for a three under 69.

Awaiting Lawrie delivery at Valderrama

Peter Lawrie broke par on the first day of the Andalucia Masters at Valderrama. Picture Fran Caffrey www.golffile.ie Peter Lawrie often sought the counsel of Des Smyth when he was battling to establish himself as a tour player. Now, eight years after winning the European Tour’s Rookie of the Year award, the Dubliner needs to start winning regualry if he is to follow in the Laytown legend’s footsteps and join the list of all-time great Irish players.